05-11-2010, 12:02 AM
[cool][#0000ff]Like many other subjects on fishing, the choice of fins is a personal preference thing. Besides budget you should consider what kind of fishing you will be doing and what kind of craft you will be fishing from. For example, if you fish from a pontoon there is less of your leg in the water and most of your kicking will be forward kicking. The Force Fins are proven more effective for pontoon use. But, if you are sitting lower, in a Fish Cat, you will want fins that allow you to "flutter kick"...with power on both the up and down stroke. Almost any good divers fins will do the job.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been using the Mares Plana Avantis since about 1985. Have tried others during that time and have not found anything I like better. And you can find some super deals online if you look hard enough. A couple of the things I like about them is that they have a big soft foot pocket and instant adjustment on the straps. I can adjust mine to be comfortable throughout a full year of fishing...from wearing only a light pair of water shoes to wearing neoprene waders, booties and a couple of layers of thick socks. Same fins.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are some "package deal" fins available through some suppliers that are made to appeal to budget buyers. They WILL work, but often cost you a lot in comfort and propulsion efficiency.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The advice to use a connection strap is a good one, especially for newbies. It takes some practice to get the adjustments right and you do not want to lose a fin while on the water. Contrary to what you might hope, you CAN NOT propel yourself with only one fin. It takes a balanced kicking effort to move in a straight line...or to turn the direction you want.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One suggestion I often make to new tubers is to buy the fins LAST. Get your waders and decide what you are going to wear over the soft neoprene foot pockets...divers booties, water shoes, tennies or whatever. Then and only then should you buy the fins. Fins have to fit over the largest load you will be wearing during the year...but should have adjustability to allow you to shed some of the bulk in warmer waters and still have your fins fit.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here is a link to an online discount diving site that has some good deals on fins. Don't get caught up in all the foo foo features that are made for divers...not tubers.[/#0000ff]
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[url "http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear/Fins.html"]http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear/Fins.html[/url]
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[#0000ff]I have been using the Mares Plana Avantis since about 1985. Have tried others during that time and have not found anything I like better. And you can find some super deals online if you look hard enough. A couple of the things I like about them is that they have a big soft foot pocket and instant adjustment on the straps. I can adjust mine to be comfortable throughout a full year of fishing...from wearing only a light pair of water shoes to wearing neoprene waders, booties and a couple of layers of thick socks. Same fins.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are some "package deal" fins available through some suppliers that are made to appeal to budget buyers. They WILL work, but often cost you a lot in comfort and propulsion efficiency.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The advice to use a connection strap is a good one, especially for newbies. It takes some practice to get the adjustments right and you do not want to lose a fin while on the water. Contrary to what you might hope, you CAN NOT propel yourself with only one fin. It takes a balanced kicking effort to move in a straight line...or to turn the direction you want.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One suggestion I often make to new tubers is to buy the fins LAST. Get your waders and decide what you are going to wear over the soft neoprene foot pockets...divers booties, water shoes, tennies or whatever. Then and only then should you buy the fins. Fins have to fit over the largest load you will be wearing during the year...but should have adjustability to allow you to shed some of the bulk in warmer waters and still have your fins fit.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Here is a link to an online discount diving site that has some good deals on fins. Don't get caught up in all the foo foo features that are made for divers...not tubers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[url "http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear/Fins.html"]http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear/Fins.html[/url]
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